#WORLD NEWS JANUARY 8, 2018 / 12:14 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

Philippines VP derides 'self-serving' idea to cancel polls, extend terms

Enrico Dela Cruz
3 MIN READ

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines’ vice president has joined a chorus of opposition to a possible cancellation of mid-term elections and extensions to terms in office, including that of the president, amid a renewed push for a shift to federalism.

President Rodrigo Duterte is keen to follow through on his election campaign promise to introduce federalism, saying it would be more equitable for Filipinos and would bring peace and development, especially in the country’s restive south.

House Speaker and Duterte ally Pantaleon Alvarez has said it was possible May 2019 mid-term elections would be canceled if proposed constitutional amendments, to introduce federalism, pass a plebiscite this year.

But the no-election scenario has not sat well among Duterte’s critics, who also expressed concern that changing the constitution could see him prolong his stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022. Philippine presidents are allowed to serve one term only, lasting six years.

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